Changes In Family Behavior Research Articles

Community Health Agents Advancing Women’s Empowerment: A Qualitative Data Analysis

Community health agents (CHAs) play a critical role in primary healthcare delivery and health promotion in low-resource settings. Though there is substantial evidence of the benefits of CHAs in achieving targeted community health outcomes, there is limited research into the impact of empowerment experienced by CHAs themselves. This study examined how working as a CHA impacts the lives and self-perceptions of women in Peru volunteering with Catholic Medical Mission Board’s (CMMB) markedly successful robust CHA model. We conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) of 53 CHAs who implement CMMB programming in Trujillo and Huancayo, Peru. The FGDs were designed to explore themes related to empowerment, changes in women’s lives, and perceptions of themselves. We identified four major themes related to women’s empowerment: achievements, agency, meaningfulness, and resources. The most common empowerment theme was achievements, expressed through subthemes of changes in family behavior, self worth, education, health and nutrition, and rights and politics. The second most common empowerment theme was agency, with subthemes related to increases in using their voice, confidence, decision making, and participation. CHAs also reported experiencing empowerment through enhanced meaningfulness. CMMB’s CHA model is an example of how well-structured community programs can facilitate women’s empowerment. Providing meaningful community leadership opportunities can have far-reaching effects on women’s perceptions of themselves as valuable, capable, and empowered leaders. This work deepens our understanding of how to practically improve community health through empowering women to catalyze gender equality in communities with disproportionate barriers and limited opportunities burdening them.

Comparing fidelity monitoring methods in an evidence-based parenting intervention

Purpose Two common methods in community settings of assessing program fidelity, a critical implementation component for program effectiveness, are video and audio recordings of sessions. This paper aims to examine how these two methods compared when used for a home-based behavioral parenting-training model (SafeCare®). Design/methodology/approach Twenty-five SafeCare video-recorded sessions between home visitors and parents were scored by trained raters either using the video or audio-only portions of recordings. Sessions were coded using fidelity checklists, with items (n = 33) classified as one of two fidelity aspects, content [delivery of program components (n = 15)], or process [communication and rapport building (n = 11)]. Seven items were considered to overlap between constructs. Items were coded as having been done or not done appropriately. Coders rated items as “technological limitation” when scoring methods hindered coding. Analyses compared percent agreement and disagreement between audio and video coders. Findings Overall agreement between coders was 72.12%. Levels of agreement were higher for content items (M = 80.89%, SD = 19.68) than process items (58.54%, SD = 34.41). Disagreements due to technology limitations among audio coders were noted among 15 items; particularly, higher levels of disagreement were seen among process items (42.42%) than content items (9.64%). Originality/value Compared to video, fidelity monitoring via audio recordings was associated with some loss of process-related fidelity. However, audio recordings could be sufficient with supplements such as participant surveys, to better capture process items. Research should also examine how content and process fidelity relate to changes in family behavior to further inform optimal fidelity monitoring methods for program use.

The Effectiveness of Integrated Management OF Mental Health Care Using Interactive KIE towards Attitude of Person with Mental Disorder’s Family

Background: Integrated management of mental health care through interactive KIE is one of educational and communication tool between families and health services.
 Objectives: The aimed of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated management through KIE on family behavior of person with mental disorder care.
 Methods:This study was conducted used queasy experimental design with one group pre-post-test on 17 family with people with mental disorder. Paired t test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention on the attitude.
 Results: The results of the study showed positive changes in family behavior on the person with mental disorder care and integrated management through interactive KIE was effective as an initial screening to prevent recurrence of mental disorder (p-value = 0.00).
 Conclusion: the implementation of integrated management through interactive KIE can be used as a join monitoring activity between families, cadres / guardians and health services to prevent recurrence in person with mental disorder.

1591-P: The Primordial Prevention Project: Motivating Family Behavior Change through Disclosure of Child's Diabetes Genetic Risk

The prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children has risen dramatically. We hypothesized that providing child’s genetic risk information, to families at high T2D risk, would serve as a motivator to improve behaviors related to the development of risk factors for T2D. We conducted a pilot intervention study of parents (n=51) and their children (n=44) aged 2-8. Family’s physical activity, children’s eating behaviors related to obesity (CEBQ); and parent’s attitudes and motivations for lifestyle change were collected at baseline and 3-month follow-up (3MFU). At baseline, saliva samples were collected from children for genotyping of obesity and T2D risk variants identified in genome-wide association studies. Parents were on average 35±6 years old, BMI 31±7 kg/m2, 60% mothers, 31% black and 7% Latino. Children were 4±2 years with a BMI of 72±26 percentiles. At the risk disclosure session, anxiety (STAI-S) and depressive symptoms (POMS) of parents were measured immediately before and after disclosure of child’s risk; and a significant increase in tension (X =2.58, p=0.03) and anxiety (X =-2.98, p=0.002) was observed. Parents then received a quasi-motivational interviewing and behavioral education intervention. After receiving the intervention parents reported a significant increase in their confidence to change their family’s behaviors (X =-0.31, p=0.002) compared to pre-disclosure. This led to 100% of parents committing to a personalized diet or activity change. At 3MFU, children demonstrated a reduction in their desire to drink (X =1.52, p=0.002) and responsiveness to food (X =1.86, p=0.005). In parents, no elevation in depressiveness or anxiety remained. No change in BMI or physical activity was observed in either group. Our data suggest returning genetic risk results can motivate commitment to behavior change. Future work will test whether combining genetic risk with an established lifestyle intervention may facilitate lowering T2D risk. Disclosure J. Wessel: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Eli Lilly and Company. M. Smith: None. Funding American Heart Association

Mindfulness como estratégia para o tratamento da obesidade infantil

Introdução: A obesidade infantil é um grave problema global de saúde pública. O manejo no tratamento dessa enfermidade é complexo, pois depende de adequação à mudança de hábitos da própria família. A técnica mindfulness pode ser eficaz nesse contexto pois atua tanto no ganho de peso quanto nos sintomas ansiosos. Objetivo: avaliar a prática mindfulness em crianças e adolescentes. Avaliar sua aplicabilidade aos pais no tratamento da obesidade infantil. Material e Métodos: ensaio clínico longitudinal com 28 pacientes atendidos no ambulatório especializado de hospital terciário, no período de junho de 2016 a junho de 2018. As atividades consistiram de cinco sessões mensais de grupos operativos de meditações guiadas e atividades semanais domiciliares programadas. Foram avaliados peso, altura, Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), escore Z do IMC e circunferências da cintura, do abdome, do quadril e do braço antes de cada sessão mensal. Resultados: a média da idade dos participantes foi 10,7 土 3,68 anos; o escore Z do IMC 3,13土0,89, a circunferência abdominal 90,9土15,86 cm. A média de IMC referente à primeira avaliação foi 29,1 土4,63 kg/m2 e 29,9 土3,81kg/m2 na última. Os dados de evolução de IMC, circunferência da cintura, circunferência abdominal, circunferência do quadril e circunferência do braço direito não apresentaram diferença significante entre os valores iniciais e finais. Entretanto, houve melhora no vínculo entre as crianças e seus responsáveis com algumas mudanças no comportamento familiar. Conclusão: A prática mindfulness em crianças e adolescentes, bem como em seus pais, não mostrou impacto na redução do peso dos pacientes avaliados. Entretanto, poderá, em longo prazo, levar a resultados positivos na qualidade de vida e na melhora dos hábitos alimentares, podendo levar a redução do peso.

Experiences of Families With Young Power Wheelchair Users

Independent mobility in typically developing infants and young children has been linked to growth in many areas of child development and changes in family behavior and interaction. Research suggests similar benefits in young children with motor disability who use powered mobility. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how families experienced their child’s development, growth, and abilities after using a power wheelchair for 1 year with the intent to generate a preliminary model to capture the process and relationships among these experiences. Eight families participated in interviews, and using grounded theory methodology the research team investigated their experiences. Results informed the development of the preliminary model that framed three key themes: (a) child competence, (b) parenting experience, and (c) the influence of power wheelchair use along with the key category It will help in the long run that titled and anchored the model. This model provides a possible view into how the use of powered mobility may influence development by supporting both child competence and the parenting experience.

An interpretation of the changes in demographic behaviour at a sub‐national level using spatial measures in post‐socialist countries: A case study of the Czech Republic and Slovakia

AbstractThe transformation of fertility and family behaviour in post‐socialist countries was quick and the changes were striking. An account of the changes is the subject of dispute and the mechanisms have still not been explained in a fully satisfying manner. Relatively little attention has been paid to the changes in spatial aspects concerning the broadening of changes in family behaviour. The aim of this paper is to answer the question as to whether changes spread stochastically in post‐socialist countries or if there are obvious spatial patterns. The study tries to answer the questions whether there are any cores of changes which may be understood as innovations, if there is any spatial clustering and if the extent is hierarchically arranged.

Distilling the Core Elements of Family Therapy for Adolescent Substance Use: Conceptual and Empirical Solutions

ABSTRACTThis article describes several barriers to widespread dissemination of manualized family-based treatments for adolescent substance use (ASU). We then offer a highly promising solution for adopting and sustaining family therapy in usual care: distilling the core practice elements of empirically validated family therapy models for ASU. We present a conceptual distillation of family therapy for ASU grounded in existing observational fidelity measures for three manualized models, a process that yielded four core elements: Family Engagement, Relational Reframing, Family Behavior Change, and Family Restructuring. We then introduce an innovative empirical method for distilling core elements that can serve as a template for rigorous distillation of other treatment approaches. Finally, we discuss how core elements can enhance family therapy services within the diverse workforce of usual care for ASU.

Household Structure and Child Education in Cambodia.

We analyze the effects of household structure on education in Cambodia. Consistent evidence documents that residence with both biological parents benefits children's education in Western countries. Elsewhere, the issue is gaining more attention with the growing number of "left-behind children" due to adult migration and, possibly, changes in family behavior, but the extant record is both thinner and more contrasted. Controlling for the presence of grandparents and some household characteristics, we find children residing with both biological parents are more likely to be enrolled in school, in the appropriate grade for their age, and literate than those living with only one parent. The effect sizes appear comparable to those in most Western countries, but the effects shrink or even disappear when grandparents are present. The results for children not residing with either parent are mixed, suggesting negative effects for some children might be blurred by positive selection for some others.

ICook 4-H: Using Mapping of Community Capitals Following a 2-Year iCook Program

To evaluate participants’ perceived ripple effect of a 2 year iCook 4-H multistate intervention program on individual, family and their community with youth (Y) and adult (A) pairs (dyads). Treatment participants, n=70 (34% of total sample); (35 A, 35 Y, ages 11-12 years) participated across 5 states (ME, NE, SD, TN, WV) in 10 groups. Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) evaluation tool was used to elicit reflections from impact of program on 7 Community Capitals Framework (CCF) (human, social, cultural, built, financial, natural, political). Three main themes, cooking, eating and playing together were evaluated after a 24-month childhood obestity intervention. Group dyads responded to leader driven dialogue about ways iCook affected individual, family and/or community through open-ended questions: what are people doing differently as a result of iCook; who has benefited and how are there changes in the way community groups and institutions do things as a result of iCook? Dialogues were recorded and evaluated thematically using grounded theory. Dyads reported adopting new behaviors such as an increase in physical activity, increased frequency of trying new foods and improved communication skills as well as increased harmony within family units identifying capitals such as human, social and natural predominately. Positive family behavior change affected all capitals of the CCF which resulting in amplified participants’ awareness of the importance of connecting within dyad; building new relationships, some of which formed during community volunteering. Findings support the need for youth obesity prevention programs, such as iCook, that positively intersect and affect self, families and communities.

Partnership dynamics across generations of immigration in France: Structural vs. cultural factors

1. IntroductionSince the 1960s, family forms in most European countries have become more varied, in parallel with increasingly diverse and individualized family life courses. The sequence of demographic events and the pace at which they occur are now less standardized than before (Bruckner and Mayer 2005; Buchmann and Kriesi 2011). Postponed union formation, declines in marriage, and increases in cohabitation represent some of the main changes in family behavior. This process of destandardization and de-institutionalization of family forms is the result of increasing individualization and a weakening of the normative constraints that shape transitions and their sequencing over the life course (Lesthaeghe and Surkyn 2004). These changes in family models have also arisen due to the changing gender system and the increasing economic independence of women and their changing roles in society (Oppenheim, Mason, and Jensen 1995). Growing economic insecurity and changes in job standards have also been major causes of the transformation of the life course (Blossfeld et al. 2005).The question arises of whether such changes have also taken place among immigrants and their descendants, who comprise a large share of the European population. This question is important since, compared to the native-born French, differences and similarities in age at partnership formation and type of union indicate the level of adherence to norms and practices in the host society (Adsera and Ferrer 2014). The postponement of partnership formation and the rise of cohabitation are indicators that individual behaviors are less determined by tradition and more open to individual choice (Bernardt et al. 2007). They also reflect changes in women's roles (Sassler 1997). Thus, union formation patterns indicate the extent to which immigrants and their offspring integrate culturally into their host society (Algan et al. 2012). However, little attention has been paid to the timing of union formation among immigrants, and even less to the type of union they engage in (Kulu and Gonzales-Ferrer 2014).This paper analyzes the integration dynamics across generations of immigrants in France by focusing on partnership formation patterns. France has a long history of immigration, and individuals with an immigrant background represent 20.6% of the 2008 adult population (Insee 2012). They come from an extremely wide range of geographical origins. In some of these regions, unions are formed in a very similar way to the prevailing French model, i.e., widespread cohabitation, rising age at which first-time couples are formed, and frequent separations (Sobotka and Toulemon 2008). In other sending countries, marriage is almost universal, and the age at first marriage remains low. France has also adopted a specific model of integration, i.e., assimilation, by promoting the conformity of immigrants and their descendants to the ideals of the French Republic (Favell 2001). Relatively few cultural rights are granted to immigrants (Koopmans 2010), which limits the persistence of cultural differences (Huschek, Liefbroer, and de Valk 2010). This specific context should theoretically drive a convergence of partnership dynamics towards French standards.In order to analyze this potential convergence in the absence of data that follows immigrant groups over time and over several generations, we compare the partnership dynamics of first- and second-generation immigrants from the same region of origin with those of the native-born. We analyze several outcomes: i) the timing of union formation, ii) the type of first union (cohabitation vs. marriage), and iii) the transition from cohabitation to marriage. We consider decreasing differences between generations of immigrants and the native-born to be a sign of gradual adaptation to the behaviors and norms that prevail in France. Migration patterns differ greatly between men and women, and gender roles are constructed differently in origin and destination societies. …

Infant suffocation in place of sleep: New Zealand national data 2002–2009

BackgroundAccidental suffocation during sleep, leading to death, has been described as due to overlay or wedging of infants, particularly in a bed-sharing situation. Bed sharing is a risk factor for...

Time-space differences of population ageing in Europe

Age structure is one of the most important demographic characteristics of the population, which is multicausally related to almost all population processes. On one hand, age structure is the complex result of processes such as fertility, mortality, immigration and emigration. At the same time, it substantially affects a number of socio-demographic phenomena such as marriage, divorce, migration, potential labour resources etc. Certain relationships between the age structure and other population characteristics, such as ethnic, educational, sex, economic or religious structure can also be observed. The demographic behaviour of the European population in the second half of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century is characterised by significant changes. They are reflected in a number of population processes and indicies, which are typically interconnected and interrelated. These changes have been most strikingly manifested in a drop of fertility rates, changes in family behaviour, and shifts in the age structure of the population. The main aim of this paper is to analyse the time-space development of the age structure of the European population. The period of investigation is 1950-2010 which is extended by a projected development until 2060. Changes in age structure are analysed through several indicators such as coefficients of inflow, outflow and exchange, as well as with indices of economic and social support. Authors make also efforts to provide a complex assessment on population ageing. Using the method of standardised variable, 11 indicators of age structures for 39 European countries are used in the synthesis. In view of the londer time span, several types of age structures are pointed out in Europe.

Contemporary Family and the Diversity of Family Life Forms

Contemporary Family and the Diversity of Family Life Formpp. Slovakia (as well as other post communistic countries) has been experiencing dynamic changes in family behaviour since 1989, which is reflected in the diversity of family life formpp. The dominant type, nuclear family, which is formed by two parents and a child or children, has been extended, in the process of family behaviour changes, by forms such as a family formed by one adult (a parent) or informal partnership couplepp. The study is aimed at the process of diversification of family behaviour, seeks to present a view of new forms of family and partnership life, and analyzes their difficulties and limitpp. This analysis focuses on five forms of family and partnership life which are typical of the current development and are organized with regard to family life cycle: single, cohabitation, marriage, one parent and reconstructed family. In the conclusion, the author indicates recommendations for family and school education aiming at improving the preparation of students and the young for family life.

Gender competition and family change

Over the last 40 years, the United States and many other Western nations have seen a major economic shift to the service sector, the large scale employment of women, and attitudinal changes, differing across race/class groups, that favour gender equality and individual autonomy. Over the same period, huge changes in family behavior have occurred, including a retreat from marriage, a rise in cohabitation, and an upsurge in nonmarital fertility. Here the argument is advanced that those macro socioeconomic and ideological changes are linked to family changes through the micro mechanism of gender competition, i.e. partners striving for status, power, and control within their relationship. Although complex social changes are the result of many forces, it is argued that (1) alternative explanations of family change are inadequate; (2) gender competition is real, widespread, and a powerful force for change; (3) observed family changes can be seen in terms of the competitive strategies men and women employed in relationships; and (4) in subgroups identified on the basis of class and race, the extent of the retreat from marriage mirrors male/female differentials in gender attitudes. Robert SCHOEN, Senior Scholar, Department of Sociology; Affiliate of the Population Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park PA 16802, (USA). E-mail: rschoen309@att.net .

Italy: Delayed adaptation of social institutions to changes in family behaviour

Considering its very low fertility and high age at childbearing, Italy stands alone in the European context and can hardly be compared with other countries, even those in the Southern region. The fertility decline occurred without any radical change in

Changes in Nurse Practitioners' Knowledge and Behaviors Following Brief Training on the Healthy Eating and Activity Together (HEAT) Guidelines

Introduction Primary care providers, particularly pediatric nurse practitioners, are an integral force involved in tackling the obesity epidemic among youth. The majority of nurse practitioners, however, report low proficiency regarding their ability to adequately prevent and treat pediatric overweight. In response, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) developed the evidence-based Healthy Eating and Activity Together (HEAT) Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) to improve provider behavior and efficacy. Method Thirty-five nurse practitioners attending the NAPNAP Annual Conference participated in an intensive 4-hour HEAT CPG training session. Pre-training and post-training data were collected on provider knowledge, practice behaviors, and barriers in relation to the prevention of overweight among youth. Results Post-training results revealed significant improvements in (a) practitioner knowledge (assessment of patient growth, family history, psychosocial functioning, nutrition, and physical activity); (b) practitioners' intent to improve behavior (i.e., increased intent to use behavior modification and counseling aimed at patient and family behavior change); and (c) practitioners' report of increased confidence in ability to address barriers. Discussion Study findings demonstrate preliminary support for the HEAT CPG as an effective tool aimed at helping providers to improve their ability to maintain patients' healthy weight. Future research is needed to verify the effects of HEAT CPG on long-term improvements in care.

Enduring Couples in Varying Sociocultural Contexts

Recent decades have witnessed vigorous scholarly debate over the meaning and value of marriage in this society overall and how they might differ among the many groups and cultures that comprise the richly textured fabric of present-day America. Much of this debate has centered on the significant changes in family behavior that occurred after the 1950s, with particular emphasis on the rapid rise in marital dissolution that characterized the 1960s and 1970s (Cherlin, 1992) and the increasing separation of childbearing and childrearing from marital unions (Ventura & Bachrach, 2000). Although the divorce rate has stabilized, divorce has been accompanied by dramatic attitudinal shifts, including the weakening of social pressure to marry or stay married, even when children are involved, and a greatly increased acceptance of divorce (Inglehart, 1997; Thornton & Young-deMarco, 2001). Clearly, the upside of these trends is that individuals no longer feel compelled to stay in relationships that are neither satisfying nor healthy. Eleanor Holmes Norton (a social scientist long before she became the District of Columbia's delegate to Congress) made an especially astute observation when these societal changes first became evident almost 40 years ago: With children no longer the universally accepted reason for marriage, marriages are going to have to exist on their own merits. Marriages are going to have to exist because they possess inherent qualities which make them worthy of existing, a plane to which the institution has never before been elevated (Norton, 1970, p. 404). Cherlin (2004) argued further that during this same period, there has been a weakening of the social norms that define partners' behavior in marriage (the deinstitionalization of marriage), which has led to greater variation in the structure of unions, including increased cohabitation and samesex marriage. Likely in response to these trends, we sense in recent times an inordinate emphasis on the perceived decline in marriage and committed unions more generally. Misleading statistics that inflated the true prevalence of divorce served to promote this fixation (Crosby, 1980; Hurley, 2005), possibly evoking an attitude of pessimism about relationship potential that may have contributed to the illusion that a long-lasting marriage is rarely attained. Depending upon how the data are interpreted, the cup is either half full or half empty. For example, data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth showed that about one third of U.S. marriages ended in divorce within the first 10 years (Bramlett & Mosher, 2001)-which means that two thirds of marriages survived at least that long. The divorce percentage increased to 43% at 15 years, but well overhalf made it to that point. Indeed, most Americans (even the divorced) view long-term marriage as their ultimate goal; and, despite the odds, in 1998, 63% of young women and 57% of young men participating in the nationally representative sample for the Monitoring the Future Study believed that they were very likely to stay married to the same person for life (Thornton & YoungdeMarco, 2001). Hackstaffs (1999) interviews with distinct generations of diverse couples over several decades led her to conclude that individuals are hopeful that their marriages will last, though they increasingly view marital survival as contingent rather than forever (p. 3). Taken together, these observations and findings suggest that today, couples have been entering committed relationships with what might be termed cautious optimism-with less guidance about appropriate behavior within their unions, at greater risk for dissolution (given the statistics), and with more support for ending the relationship if necessary. We expect to learn much from the couples and individuals who manage to stay together in this new context. Interpersonal relationship research has increasingly focused on the identification of aspects of couple dynamics that increase or decrease a union's chance for continuation (Karney & Bradbury, 1995). …

Age at menarche in Portuguese rural women from Oleiros

Background: Several aspects of living conditions and behaviour may influence the age at menarche.Aim. The present study investigated the relation of variables concerning the reproductive period and the socio-economic conditions on the recalled age at menarche of rural Portuguese women, born in the first half of the 20th century.Subjects and method: Recalled menarche age of a sample of 771 adult women over 44 years old, from a rural municipality (Oleiros) in central Portugal was analysed.Results: The mean menarcheal age was 14.34±1.98 years. Menarcheal age increased significantly with the chronological age and age at marriage, and was negatively correlated with the duration of the period between menarche and marriage and with the biological reproductive span. The mean menarcheal age was lower (13.59±1.95 years) in women with an order of birth ≥7 than in those of birth order ≤3 (14.41±2.16 years). The mean menarcheal age was lower in women with a surname (14.26±1.91) than in those without it (14.81±2.28). Child labour began at the age of 11.87±32.72 years. Women subject to early child labour had delayed menarches (14.53±2.18) when compared with women who had not worked before 17 years old (14.03±1.91). The menarcheal age varied with the birth decade, decreasing from 14.64±2.61 (1910s) to 13.98±1.46 (1950s).Conclusion: The variation of age at menarche was related to changes in family behaviour towards children, reduction of age at child labour and increasing access to schools. The secular decrease in menarcheal age from 1910 to 1980 was related to living condition factors such as illiteracy, female life expectancy and infant mortality rates.

Family Disruption and Support in Later Life: A Comparative Study Between the United Kingdom and Italy

Global population aging has led to considerable disquiet about future support for frail older people; however, the determinants are poorly understood. Moreover, most industrialized societies have witnessed considerable changes in family behavior (e.g., rises in divorce and declining fertility). Such trends may have adversely affected the support systems of older people; nonetheless, only recently has research begun to address this issue. Employing data from the longitudinal British Household Panel Survey (1991–2003) and the 1998 Indagine Multiscopo sulle Famiglie “Famiglia, soggetti sociali e condizione dell’infanzia,” we investigated the association between family disruptions due to divorce, separation, or death and three key dimensions of informal support: (i) frequency of contact with unrelated friends (among all respondents aged 65 years and over); (ii) co‐residence with children (among unmarried mothers aged 65 years and over); and (iii) regular or frequent help received from children (e.g., household assistance including care) among parents aged 65 years and over. In addition, we conducted a comparative investigation of the relationship between family disruptions and the use of home care services (i.e., health visitor or district nurse; home help; meals‐on‐wheels) among parents aged 65 years and over. Our findings suggest that in a culture like the U.K.'s, where relations between kin are primarily influenced by individualistic values, support in later life appears to be primarily related to need, whereas in societies with a strong familistic culture (like Italy's), support is received irrespective of the older person's individual characteristics.